Corona is constantly bringing changes to the everyday lives of many people. The access regulations for shops and facilities are constantly changing, causing confusion for both companies and customers. In addition, these ordinances are not uniformly defined nationwide, but differ depending on the federal state. Last week, for example, the 2G rule for retail was lifted in Bavaria. In the neighboring Baden-Wrttemberg, the 3G rule now counts. How do business people in the Main-Tauber district see their situation and how do they assess the unequal and often changing regulations as a result of Corona?
Hans-Joachim Kuhn is the managing partner of Modehaus Kuhn GmbH & Co. KG and chairman of the City-Gemeinschaft Bad Mergentheim. He explains that the current Corona rules are causing many problems because at the same time as the judgment that led to the uncontrolled opening of trade in Bavaria, the FFP-2 mask requirement was also introduced for classic retail. It is a logical consequence that here in the districts close to the border, customers are migrating to Würzburg to a much greater extent than usual.
Businesses in Bad Mergentheim recorded a drop in sales of more than 30 percent
He says that according to information from member companies of the City-Gemeinschaft Bad Mergentheim, sales are currently on average more than minus 30 percent compared to the previous year. This means that many companies will certainly have to register short-time work again and will fall back on state support IV. Once again, this is being played into the hands of online trade and food discounters by government decree. In addition to the structural problems and an increasingly difficult parking space situation, for example the decision to charge fees on the Wrzburg Talavera, it is clear that the classic retail trade has no lobby on the contrary.
Hans-Joachim Kuhn demands from politicians: If the politicians in charge really want to prevent the inner cities from dying out, then they should finally act. Subsidy programs, when everything is down, make no sense. One should think in advance about the consequences of the political decisions in the medium and long term.
The 2021 financial year was marked by fear
Kathrin Hecht runs the handicraft and gift shop Schn und Selten in Lauda. She reports that her 2021 financial year was characterized by fear: fear that customers would prefer to buy online, fear of another lockdown, fear of not being able to maintain my business. She describes the situation in retail as worrying: People don’t come just to look or to be inspired, but only when they specifically need something. She would be happy to give more advice and help. However, according to their impression, many are uncertain as to which rules apply and would prefer to shop on the Internet. Regarding the regulations, she says: It’s depressing for me when I’m told who I can let into my shop. I love my shop and am happy about every customer who comes to me during this time. Without customers, my shop would no longer exist!
Bookstore in Tauberbischofsheim relies on loyal customers
Johannes Benz is the owner of the Schwarz auf Weiss bookstore in Tauberbischofsheim. He is not afraid of any direct migration to Würzburg or other Bavarian cities due to different corona rules: We have a loyal clientele here who like to shop with us and thus also support local retailers. They show us that every day in the store and also tell us.
According to Benz, the residents understood that otherwise other shops in the city center would have to close. Although he expects a drop in sales over the year, this is not due to unequal regulations in the federal states. There is general uncertainty. And at present, the cold weather would also play a role, which is why people are reluctant to leave their homes to go shopping. Of course, there would then be an increase in online orders: online trade is booming. That’s why Schwarz auf Weiss offers a web shop and we deliver at home if that’s what the customer wants.
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